A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akin Bash, has dismissed allegations that the ruling party is responsible for the internal crises affecting opposition parties across Nigeria, insisting that such claims are unfounded and politically motivated.
Speaking during an interview aired on News Central, Bash argued that it is illogical to blame the APC for disputes within opposition groups, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
According to him, the challenges confronting these parties are largely self-inflicted and stem from internal disagreements rather than any external interference from the ruling party.
“APC can’t be taking responsibility for the crisis other opposition parties have in their home,” Bash said, emphasizing that each political party must take ownership of its internal affairs.
He noted that leadership disputes, factional divisions, and organizational conflicts are not uncommon in political systems, particularly as elections draw closer. Bash explained that such tensions often arise from unresolved grievances, poor internal management, and struggles over control within party structures.
The APC chieftain further argued that attributing these issues to the ruling party diverts attention from the real problems within opposition groups. He urged political actors to focus on strengthening their internal mechanisms rather than engaging in what he described as blame-shifting.
Political analysts say the statement comes at a time when several opposition parties are grappling with internal challenges, including leadership tussles and disagreements over party direction. These issues have, in some cases, led to parallel factions and legal battles, raising concerns about the cohesion of opposition platforms ahead of future elections.
Observers note that the health of opposition parties is crucial to Nigeria’s democratic system, as they provide alternative viewpoints and hold the government accountable. However, persistent internal crises can weaken their effectiveness and reduce public confidence.
Bash maintained that the APC remains focused on governance and delivering on its mandate, adding that the party should not be distracted by controversies within rival political organizations. He stressed that political competition should be based on policies and performance rather than accusations.